FORT WORTH, Texas  The US Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District began assessing damage on the Texas coast Saturday, according to Col. Steve Haustein, District Engineer and Commander.

A flyover with the US Coast Guard to pinpoint debris and possible navigational hazards took place that afternoon. "This will help us direct crews where to go to begin the side-scan surveying," said Joe Hrametz, Chief of Navigation, Galveston District.

The next step is to start to survey federal channels for obstructions to navigation and shoaling in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard, port authorities and industry. Such navigational channels and various waterways include the Houston Ship Channel, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway between Port O'Connor and the Louisiana border, Texas City Ship Channel, Sabine/Neches Ship Channel (Ports of Port Arthur, Beaumont and Orange), Galveston Ship Channel, Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Freeport Ship Channel, and Matagorda Ship Channel.

"Along with six Corps survey boats, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) will be providing three vessels, one from Kirby Inland Marine and three contract, to help assist in this massive surveying job," said Mike Kieslich, Chief of Operations Division, Galveston District.

Inspection of coastal levee systems and the Galveston Seawall for storm damage and integrity will also be done.

The Galveston District will be supporting the Corps' Fort Worth District FEMA mission by carrying out the following mission assignments; providing water, power, debris removal, ice, temporary housing, temporary roofing, and logistical support.

"After the land fall of Hurricane Rita, it is extremely important that we contact our employees to ensure they are safe," said Col. Haustein.